You see, friends, the Apostle John here cuts right to the core of the matter. He tells us plainly, "We love because he first loved us." It's a simple yet profound truth that encapsulates the essence of our Christian faith.

Point 1: Love's Divine Source

Let's unpack this, shall we? Our ability to love, to truly love sacrificially and selflessly, finds its origin in the very nature of God Himself. God is love. His love is the wellspring from which all genuine love flows. It's not about us conjuring up love out of sheer willpower; it's about tapping into the infinite well of God's love that is freely offered to us.

Point 2: Love's Transformative Power

And here's the beautiful part, my dear friends. When we truly grasp and experience the depth of God's love for us, it changes everything. It transforms our hearts, our minds, our actions. We become conduits of God's love, channels through which His love flows out to a hurting world. Our love becomes a reflection, a response to the immense love we have first received.

Point 3: Love's Radical Call

Now, let's not misunderstand this, brothers and sisters. This isn't just about warm, fuzzy feelings or sentimental gestures. No, the love that originates from God is radical, transformative, and sometimes downright uncomfortable. It compels us to love not just those who are easy to love, but even our enemies. It drives us to seek justice, show mercy, and

extend grace to all, just as our Heavenly Father has done for us.

So, what does this mean for us practically, you might ask? Well, my friends, it means that our love for others should be a direct outflow of our relationship with God. It means that we love not to earn God's favor but because we have already been lavishly loved by Him. It means that our love should be marked by humility, forgiveness, generosity, and courage, because that's the kind of love that God has shown us.

1. John 13:34-35 – "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."

2. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

3. Matthew 5:44 – "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

Beloved congregation, may the love of God continue to dwell richly in your hearts, guiding and empowering you to love others as He has loved you. Go in peace, go in love. Amen.